Losing someone you love because someone else made a poor or reckless decision, like driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, is incredibly hard. It’s not just about the emotional pain; there’s also the legal side to it that can feel just as overwhelming. That’s where understanding your rights and knowing how to get the support you deserve comes into play. That’s also where we, at Cronauer Law, step in to help guide you through these tough times.
Why Certain Charges Matter in Your Case
Cases involving charges like reckless homicide and DUI can be pursued as wrongful death and survivor claims. The presence of these charges signals a level of gross negligence that affects the strategy in how to handle the civil case for damages and handling the Defendants’ constitutional right against self-incrimination. The recklessness could also be relevant to assessing the human loss damages given that the conduct was so depraved and took a human life. These damages, which encompass pain and suffering or loss of companionship, grief, are pivotal in acknowledging the emotional depth of loss experienced by the victim’s family.
Moreover, the severity of the defendant’s actions, as indicated by criminal charges, can influence the scope of punitive damages. These damages go beyond compensatory measures for tangible losses, aiming to serve as a deterrent against particularly reckless or egregious behavior and ensuring the public good is promoted by the jury system.
Understanding Employer Liability and Insurance Implications
When the negligence involves the operation of a commercial vehicle, the legal landscape broadens considerably. Several key theories and considerations come into play, each opening distinct avenues for compensation:
- Vicarious Liability: This principle can hold employers responsible for their employees’ actions within their employment scope, potentially implicating the employer in the wrongful death claim.
- Negligent Entrustment: Employers may face liability if shown to have negligently entrusted a vehicle to an employee deemed unfit to drive safely, based on past behavior or qualifications.
- Direct Negligence Claims Against Employers: These claims explore whether the employer failed in their duties, such as ensuring proper insurance coverage or adhering to safety protocols.
- Commercial Insurance Coverage: Typically, commercial vehicles are insured under policies offering broader coverage than personal policies, providing a significant source of compensation.
- Depending on the vehicle size, federal and state regulations apply which show an egregious breach of what is expected of a commercial vehicle driver.
How Cronauer Law Makes Things Easier for You
At Cronauer Law, we get how tough this time can be. It’s not just about dealing with your grief; it’s also about facing a bunch of legal stuff that might not make a lot of sense right now. That’s what we’re here for. We want to make sure you understand your rights and get the support you deserve.
We take the time to look into every detail of your case, considering everything from those specific charges to the role a business might play. Our goal is to make sure you’re not just heard, but also taken care of – whether it’s getting help for the pain you’re going through or making sure your financial needs are met.
If you are facing the aftermath of a tragic loss due to someone else’s negligent actions, Cronauer Law is here to help. We invite you to reach out to us, knowing that our dedicated team is ready to provide the support, guidance, and legal representation necessary to navigate these challenging waters and achieve the best possible outcome for you and your family.